Donor Information

Donor Information – The White Elephant Sale Is Currently Accepting Donations

Donations by the public make the White Elephant Sale possible, and we are fortunate to have many wonderful, generous donors. Thanks to them we are able to take what one person no longer needs or wants and turn it into someone else’s incredible treasure or bargain.

With all Sale proceeds benefitting the Oakland Museum of California, we are happy to accept donations year round. Gently used good quality items are always welcomed and appreciated. A van is now available for free donation pick up in communities and neighborhoods around the San Francisco Bay Area. Many public donations days are also scheduled at our warehouse site, starting in September 2013 and running through February 22, 2014.

Van Pick Up

  • A van is available Tuesdays through Sundays for free pick up of donations.
  • To schedule an appointment, please call – well in advance – 510-839-5919.
  • For a list of items that we regrettably cannot accept, please click here.
  • Please help our van drivers quickly identify the items you want us to pick up by clicking here, printing our donation tags and then taping or stapling one tag to each box, bag or item that you are donating.
Public Drop-Off DaysPublic drop-off days for donations are held at our warehouse site at 333 Lancaster Street, Oakland CA 94601. Click here for directions. Car and walk-in donations are accepted at the Derby Avenue entrance.

Starting in September 2013, donors can drop off donations at the warehouse site. Please check back for dates and times, including the many drop-off dates in January and February 2014.

 
   

Tax Reminder

Subject to current IRS regulations, all items donated to the Oakland Museum Women’s Board White Elephant Sale are tax deductible for income tax purposes at their present fair market value. The Internal Revenue Code places the responsibility for estimating fair market value of the property received upon the donor. The Oakland Museum Women’s Board Federal Tax ID Number is 94-3102469.

Tax laws frequently change. Before making a donation, please consult with your tax advisor.

Items We Do Not Accept

We hate to say no to any donation but regrettably there are some items we are not able to accept. In general, if an item is damaged, torn, dirty, stained or broken, it cannot be sold, and we must decline the donation. The exception is vintage clothing, which we accept in any condition.

We also do not accept electronic equipment that is considered e-waste, including: computers, computer peripherals, microwave ovens, and television sets. Information on how to recycle e-waste can be found on the internet.

Please click here for a list of specific items that we are not able to accept or ask the van driver, who has final discretion regarding what can be donated.